Luther Boorn receives Young Alumni Achievement Award

Tom Wheaton (left), director of Alumni Relations at Black Hills State University; Dr. Kay Schallenkamp, BHSU president; and Hugh Palmer (right), president of the BHSU Alumni Association; present the Young Alumni Achievement Award to Luther Boorn, a 1997 graduate of the university. Boorn, a senior project manager for Jeppesen Commercial & Military Aviation, the world leader in aircraft navigational maps and charts, was honored for his outstanding achievements, contributions, and service to society, the community, and BHSU.

The Black Hills State University Alumni Association recently presented the Young Alumni Achievement Award to Luther Boorn, a 1997 graduate of the university who works as a senior project manager in software development for the world leader in aircraft navigational maps and charts.

The Young Alumni Achievement Award is given to honor an alumnus who has attended BHSU within the past 10 years and has distinguished him or herself with outstanding achievements, contributions, and service to society, the community, and Black Hills State University.

As a student, Boorn was president of the Science Club and started a partnership with the Spearfish schools to host and sponsor a science fair. He also devoted his time to the University Science Department setting up and conducting labs.

After graduating from BHSU in December 1997 with a bachelor of science degree in environmental physical science, Boorn worked as a GIS specialist and programmer for the State of South Dakota. He went on to become a software engineer for Boeing Commercial Aviation Services working with aviation software in Wichita, Kan. He then accepted his current position as senior project manager at Jeppesen Commercial & Military Aviation, a subsidiary of Boeing, in 2004.

At Jeppesen, Boorn oversees PC-based software applications that utilize navigational data for both commercial and military customers. These software programs have allowed Jeppesen to become the world leader in aircraft navigational maps and charts, making it possible for pilots and their passengers to safely and efficiently reach their destinations. A technology-driven information solutions provider, Jeppesen, with offices around the world, has created new markets outside aviation in the areas of marine and railroad.

In addition to his job duties, Boorn remains actively involved in his community. He currently serves on the site counsel at his children’s school, assisting with curriculum decisions and presenting to the school board. He also coaches basketball and baseball in various recreational leagues in the Portland, Ore., area.

Boorn and his wife, Patty, reside in Sherwood, Ore., with their daughter, Shellby, and son, Kolbe.

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